Since the start of the school year in August, the clocks at Salida High School have remained blank, creating confusion for both students and staff throughout the school day. The issue has persisted for months, and the cause of the problem lies not in the clocks themselves but in the building’s construction.
“These are atomic clocks, and the construction of SHS has proved to be extremely difficult for the devices to pull a consistent signal,” Josh Buckberg, head of IT for Salida school district.
Atomic clocks are designed to automatically receive a signal to maintain accurate time. This system eliminates the need for manual adjustments or resets, making it a popular choice for schools and other institutions that require synchronized timekeeping. However, the materials used in the construction of SHS, specifically the brick and steel, interfere with the clocks’ ability to receive the necessary signal.
“In theory, the clocks should automatically receive the signal and maintain an accurate time,” Buckberg explained. “Unfortunately, because of the brick and steel construction of SHS, the clocks have trouble being able to pull the signal.”
As a result, the clocks cannot perform their intended function. Instead of displaying incorrect times, the clocks have gone completely blank, further complicating daily life at SHS.
“The result is that they freak out when they get mounted on the walls in the classroom,” Buckberg said.
The blank clocks have left many students and teachers frustrated. Without a centralized and synchronized system, staff members have had to rely on personal devices, such as phones or watches, or verbal reminders to ensure they stay on schedule. For students, the lack of working clocks has made it difficult to keep track of time during lessons, passing periods and tests.
While the administration is aware of the problem, a solution has yet to be implemented. The issue highlights the challenges that arise when modern technology interacts with Salidas’ relatively new high school. Brick and steel are commonly used in school buildings for durability and fire resistance, but they can also interfere with signals required for wireless systems like atomic clocks.
Despite the ongoing problem, the school community continues to adapt. Teachers have found creative ways to manage time in their classrooms, from using timers to posting reminders on whiteboards. Students, too, have learned to rely on their phones, smartwatches, or even peers to ensure they make it to class on time.
Although the administration has not provided a timeline for when the issue will be resolved, the email acknowledges the problem and suggests that a solution is being explored. The clocks, once fixed, will not only restore a sense of order to the school day but will also relieve staff and students from the extra effort required to maintain their schedules.
Until then, the blank clocks remind everyone in this building of the hassle that comes with keeping modern technology and staff and students do their best to keep track of things in this confusing world.